Computing-scale



(No Model.) 2 Sheets-Sheet l, J. H. SWIHAR-T. COMPUTING SCALE.

Patented Jan. 12, I897.

- ms NORRIS PETERS co, FNOTO-LITNQ, wasummfon, Dv'c.

(N0 Mdel.) 2 SheetsSheet 2 J. H. SWIHART. COMPUTING SCALE.

No. 575,076. Patented Jan. 12, 1897.

AW $2M THE NOFRIS PETERS 00., PuoTo-u'nm, wwwmcn'ow, o. c.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JOHN HENRY SXVIHART, OF DAYTON, OHIO, ASSIGNOR TO THE NATIONAL 'GOMPUTING SCALE COMPANY, OF CLEVELAND, OIIIO.

COMPUTING-SCALE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 575,076, dated January 12, 1897.

Application filed August 26, 1895- Serial No. 560,517. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern: left, when the scale is in condition for use. Be itknown that I, JOHN HENRY SWIHART, Fig. is a similar view of the same parts a citizen of the United States, residing at when the rate-beam has been raised prepara- 55 Dayton, in the county of Montgomery and tory to the moving of its fulcrum. Fig. 2 is 5 State of Ohio, have invented certain new and an end View of the mechanism which draws useful Improvements in Computing-Scales; the right-hand end of the value-beam down, and I do hereby declare the following to be a said parts being shown in the relation to each full, clear, and exact description of the invenother which they will occupy when said beam 60 tion, such as will enable others skilled in the is drawn down. Fig. 3 is a similar view of the art to which it appertains to make and use same parts when the scale is in condition for the same. use. Fig. (5 is a side elevation of myimproved The invention relates to improvements in scale when it contains the tare-beam, which computing-scales and in combined compntis susceptible of being used either independ- 65 ing and weighing scales. .ently or jointly with the computing mechan- The principal objects of the invention are ism. Fig. 7 is a vertical section on line 2 2 to provide a scale of this class which shall be of Fi 6. simple and durable in construction, which Referring to the parts by letter, A represhall be absolutely accurate in its indications sents the scale platform, and A the base. 70 of weight and in its computations of values The levers and adjuncts below the platform at any given rate per pound or other unit of and within the base may be of the usual conweight, which shall be easy to manipulate to struction and therefore are not shown in the adapt it to determine weights or to compute drawings. values at diiferent rates, and which shall The description immediately following ap- 75 have a larger capacity for its size than most, plies particularly to the form of scale shown if not all, of the scales of this class which in Fig. 1; but the scale shown in Fig. 6 is also have hitherto been constructed. embraced within said description, the two Another object of the invention, as emforms of scale differing only in the specific bodied in the form of scale shown in Figure 6, construction of the connecting-rod B and in 80 is to provide a weight or tare beam and novel the fact that the scale shown in Fig. 6 conconnections between it and the computing tains some features of construction which mechanism, whereby said beam may be used will be subsequently explained.

independently to ascertain weight or 0011- A hollow post or standard A is secured to jointly with the computing mechanism to the base. It has two upwardly-extending 85 take off tare. arms A A, on which is rigidly secured the A scale containing my invention is one in beam-supporting base I. The connectingwhich the several beams employed are fixed rod 13 passes entirely through the post A and as to longitudinal movement relative to their makes an operative connection between the several supports, to the mechanism connectrate-beam O and the platform-levers. This 0 ing the beams,and to all of the fulcrums and rod is forked at its upper end, and it em pivot-s save only one, which fulcrum is movbraces the rate-beam O. Both forks are proable, but which is supported and guided by vided with openings b,which receive the knifemeans wholly independent of any of the edge bearing-pins c, which project from the beams, whereby the scale is never unbalsides of said rate-beam. This rod B hangs 9 5 anced, nor is its accuracy ever impaired by upon said bearing-pins and is connected at any movement or change of position of said its lower end in the usual way with the platfulcrum. form-levers.

The invention consists in the construction F represents a bifurcated standard which and combination of parts hereinafter derises from and is fixed upon the beanrsup- X00 scribed, and pointed out in the claims. porting base I and furnishes the fixed ful- In the drawings, Fig. 1 is a front elevation crum for the two beams D and E, which are of my improved scale. Fig. 4 is a sectional rigidly connected at their ends by the yokes view on line 4 4 of Fig. l, viewed from the D E.

(5 represents knife-edge pins which are rigidly fixed to and project from the sides of the beam 11) and rest upon the standard 1 whereby said beams D and E are fulcrum ed. The fulcrum of the beams D and E is therefore fixed, in the sense that it is not movable either upon the beams themselves nor with reference to the beam-supporting base I or other parts of the scale. Therefore these connected beams l) and E, which, as I shall presently explain, may separately or conjointly be used as value-beams, vibrate in fixed ares at all times.

The rate-beam O is balanced upon a freeswinging link ll, which is suspended from a fixed point upon the beam D. This form of flexible connection between the rate-beam and value-beam makes it possible to change the fulcrum of the rate-beam, and consequently vary the a re in which it vibrates,with out changing the position of the fulcrum of the value-beams. Both ends of the link II are bifurcated, so as to embrace the two beams O and D, and the forks are provided with openings to receive the knife-edge bearing pins 0 and d, which are fixed to the two beams, respectively.

It will be noticed that all of the fulcrums and points of connection between the various parts as heretofore described are fixed in position, in the sense that they have no movement upon or along said parts.

A fulcrum-block G, having a knife-edge g, which engages with the rate-beam. and serves as a fulcrum therefor, is movable in a path parallel with the beam, whereby it is adapted to engage at any desired point with said beam. The block G rests upon and is supported by the beam-supporting base I, and it is preferably provided with rollers which bear upon said. base and diminish the friction incident to moving said block.

A horizontal rod K, which is fixed in a posiion parallel to the rate-beam, passes through he block G and guides it in its movement. This rod K is supported in substantially the manner to be presently explained, so that it may be oscillated upon its longitudinal axis; but this movement does not change its relation to the ratebeam 0 nor to the supportingbase I, and therefore does not affect its function as a guide. The rod, in so far asit serves as a guide for the fulcrum-block G, is fixed in position. The purpose of mounting the rod K so that it may oscillate upon its longitudinal axis is to adapt it to take part in the moving of the rate-beam away from its fulcrum preparatory to moving the fulcrum-block. if some other specific mechanism were provided for so moving the rate-beam, the rod K might be made absolutely stationary.

The construction of the parts shown for moving the ratebearn out of contact with the fulcrum-block is as follows:

The rod H is made square except at one end, which is cylindrical and is mounted in the standard F. The other end passes through a cylindrical sleeve R, which is mounted in the standard F, said standard being fixed to the beam-supporting base I. The rod K passes through a square hole in a cylindrical. sleeve 7:, which is mounted in the fulcrum-block (t. In the sleeve is a circumferential groove 7. into which projects the point of a screw 7.:", which penetrates the block G. The sleeve also provided with a handle 7,1, by which it may be turned in the block G, and this movement of the sleeve turns the rod K and the sleeve R.

Two vertical] y-movable plates J J are mounted upon the standard 1 on opposite sides thereof. The plate J is provided with two vertical slots) j, through which pass the screws f y, which screw into the bosses ff, thereby holding the plate J against said bosses and guiding it in a vertical path. In the middle of this plate J is aslotj, into which an extension C of the rate-bea1n projects. \Vhen the rate-beam is in contact with the fulcrum-block and ready for use, it does not touch the plate J.

The plate J has a vertical slotj, through which the screw j passes and screws into the boss The upper end of the plate lies be hind and is guided by the yoke Said plat e is provided with a slot f, in to which projects the horizontalv end of a rod (7 which fixed to the yoke D at the ends of the beams l) and E. This rod do s not touch the plate J when the scale is ready to be used for weighing or computation.

Secured to opposite ends of the sleeve are the two lever-arms r 1', which are connected with the plates J and J", respectively, by the links r '1'.

\Vhen it is desired to move the fulcrumblock G, the hand-lever 7.1" is moved down, thereby turning the rod K. This turns the sleeve R, and the two plates J and J are moved, respectively, up and down by the lever-arms '2' r and the links 1" r. The plate J in moving up engages and lifts the end of the rate-beam. The plate Jin moving down engages the rod (1 and through it draws the ends of the beams l) and E down. Because said beams are connected on the opposite side of their fulcrum by the link II with the rear end of the rate-bcam said end of the ratebeam is raised simultaneously with the raising of the front end, wherefore the substantially horizontal position of said rate-beam is preserved as it is lifted out of the path to he traveled. by the fulcrum-block G. This block is then moved to the desired posit-ion relative to the rate-beam, whereupon the handle is raised and the described mechanism reverses its movement and the rate-beam is lowered into engagement with the fulcrum block.

The rate-btaim is provided with two sets of graduations. Those on its lower edge repre sent the rate per pound or other unit, beginning in the form shown with three cents and ending with fifteen, each succeeding graduation-mark indicating an increase of one cent. The spaces between the principal graduations are further subdivided into spaces, each of which represents an increase of one-fourth of a cent. The graduations on the upper edge of said beam each indicate an increase of five cents, and the spaces between the principal graduations are subdivided into spaces, each of which represents one cent.

In the form shown the value-beam is com= posed of two parallel beams D and E, connected by yokes D and E, but obviously only one is necessary, and more may be used. Each beam is provided with two rows of value-graduations, one on the upper edge and one below it near the middle of the beam. Those on the upper edge of each are used in ascertaining values at the rate per pound indicated on the upper row of graduations on the rate-beam, while those in the lower row are in like manner used in conj unction with the lower row of ratc-graduations. hen two beams D and E are used, as shown, the lower graduations on beam E, which carries the lightest poise, may indicate values up to, say, seventy-five cents, and the upper graduations may indicate values up to three dol lars. The lower graduations on beam D indicate values up to seven dollars and fifty cents, and the upper graduations to thirty dollars. The marks on the upper edge of the rate-beam indicate rates four times as great as the corresponding marks on the lower edge, and so, also, the value-marks on the upper edge of each value-beam D and E indicate amounts four times as great as those indicated by corresponding marks in the lower row.

Obviously the grad uations upon the rate and value beams may be correspondingly changed to adapt the scale to any desired use without departing from the invention.

The beams D and E are provided with independent poises D and E and either beam may be used alone or both beams maybe used conjointly by moving both poises and adding together the values indicated upon both beams. I believe that this is the first computing-scale having more than one valuebeam and independently-movable poises for each in which both beams can be used conjointly, as described. The advantage of this construction is found in the fact that values may be calculated up to an amount equal to the sum of the highest value-graduations upon both beams. This scale has therefore a greater capacity than any prior scale having beams of the same length.

The foregoing description contemplates the use of the scale for computing values only, but it may be used for ascertaining weights. In order to adapt it for such use, the beams D and E, or either of them, are graduated near their lower edges, and when the movable fulcrum G is placed at a certain point on the rate-beamin the present case at the mark On the lower edge thereof representing twelve and one-half cents-the scale may be used as a weighing-scale and either or both beams con jointly may be used to determine weights.

The beams D and E are therefore capable of being used either as value-beams or weightbeams. hen the movable fulcrum has been set at the graduation indicating the given rate per pound, the tare may be taken off by the movement of the poise upon either beam, (preferably beam E,) and the value will thereafter be indicated upon the other beam.

The beams D and E are provided with a combined balance and gravity weight T, which is screw-threaded onto a vertical shaft t, which terminates at its upper end in a head F. The upper end of the shaft fits loosely in the hole in the upper arm of the yoke E, which connects said two beams D and E, while the lower end enters a longitudinal slot in the lower arm of said yoke. A horizontal pin t projects from said yoke into a vertical slot in the weight, (shown in dotted lines in Fig. 6,) whereby the weight is prevented from turning. The turning of the screw therefore raises or lowers the weight to adjust the gravity of the beams. The adjustment of the balance of the beam is ef fected by means of a screw t which screws through the lower arm of the yoke Eagainst the lower end of the shaft t, whereby said shaft may be swung upon its head as a pivot. A coil-spring t seated in the lower arm of the yoke, exerts a constant pressure against the lower end of the rod 2, tending to hold it against the set-screw t Referring now to Fig. 6, it will be seen that the scale thereon shown contains certain additional parts which increase the capacity and practical value of the scale.

N represents a weight or tare beam balanced on knife-edge pivots in the usual way from the bracket 1, which is fixed to the under side of the base I. The part of this beam N at one side of its fulcrum is enlarged and provided with a longitudinal vertical slot n. M represents a pivoting-bar which is secured to the beam,eXtendin g transverselyacross the slot n and projecting from both sides of the beam. The projecting ends 172. are provided with upper knife-edges m The upper end of the lower section B of the connecting-rod is forked and is hung upon these ends m.

The part m of the bar M, which extends across the slot n, has on its lower side a knife-edge 411 which is in line with the upper knifeedges m on the ends 771. A

B represents a link which is hung loosely from knife-edges on the rate-beam. This link enters the slot at, but does not touch the sides thereof. Its lower end is curved beneath the pivot-bar m, but so long as the scale is empty and the beam N is depressed at the end which carries the pendant this link does not touch said pivot. In fact, when the scale-platform is empty the lower end of this link hangs loosely in the slot 71 and touches nothing. Therefore this beam N maybe used to ascers'raove tain weights or to take off tare. lVhen the pendant-carrying end of the beam N is lifted to a balance by the load on the platform, the pivot-bar m comes in contact with the lower end of the link 13 and any further movement of the beam N is prevented without a cone spending movement of the rate-beam and other parts of the computing mechanism. The link B, when the parts are in this condi tion, forms a part of the connecting-rod, and the beam N and the double knife-edged pivot pin Ill form a connection between said link II and the rod I3. Owing to the fact that knife-edge bearings on the parts on m and m are in line with each other the movement of the beam N 011 its fulcrum has practically no effect in throwing the two parts I) .l out of line.

The beam N, besides being capable of use alone and to take off tare, increases the normal weighing capacity of the scale, because since it may be used in conjunction with the beams D and E the scale may be made to weigh as much in pounds as the sum of the separate capacities of the three beams I), E, and N.

Having described my invention, I claim 1. In a computii'ig-scale, the combination of a beam, with a movable fulcrum for said beam, and a support for said fulcrum which is wholly independent of the movable parts of the scale, and mechanism for relatively moving the beam and fulcrum out of engagement and holding them disengaged while the fulcrum is being moved, substantially as described.

2. In a computing-scale, the combination with a rate-beam graduated to indicate prices, of a movable fulcrum adapted to be moved the length of said graduations, said fulcrum being mounted free from the beam so that no part of its weight will be upon the beam, substantially as described.

3. In a computingscale, the combination of a value-beam fulcrumcd at a fixed point upon a fixed fulcrum, a rate-beam, a freeswinging link connected to fixed points upon said beams respectively, a movable fulcrum for said rate-beam, and means su1.)porting and guiding said fulcrum wholly independently of the movable parts of the scale, substantially as described.

a. In a computing-scale, the combination of a value-beam fulcrumed at a fixed point upon a fixed fulcrum, and a flexible link depending from a fixed point upon said beam, with a rate-beam balanced upon said link when the scale is empty, a movable fulcrum for said rate-beam, and means supporting and guiding said fulcrum ii'idependently of the movable parts of the scale, substantially as described.

5. In a com mting-scale, the combination of a value-beam balanced upon a fixed fulcrum, a flexible lint: hung from a fixed point upon said beam, and a rate-beam hung at a fixed point from said link, with a movable fulcrum adapted to bear against the under side of said rate-beam, a lixed support for said fulcrum, and a connecting-rod pivoted to a fixed point upon the ratebea1n for connecting said rate-beam with the platform-levers, substantially as described.

(5. In a computing-scale, the combination of a value-beam balanced upon a fixed fulcrum, a ratebean1, and a flexible link connecting said beams, with a movable fulcrum for said rate-beam, means for supporting, and guiding said fulcrum wholly indepeiulently of the movable parts of the scale, and lifting mechanism for temporarily withdrawing the rate-beam out of engagement with the movable fulcrum preparatory to moving the lntter, substantially as described.

'7. In a price and weighing scale, the com bin ation with a base, rigidly connected value and weight beams, a rate-beam, aliexible link interposed between said ratebeam and weight and value beams and upon which the rate-beam has a fulcrum when the scale is empty, of a movable bearing for said rate beam mounted wholly below and i1ulependently of said rate-beam, said bearing forming the fulcrum of said rate-beam, when the scale is loaded, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

8. In a computing-scale, the combination with a rate-beam, of a movable flll(3lll1iil.)lt (jli for changing the fulcrum of said beam, a pan allel rod for guiding said fulcrum-block in its horizontal movement, and means operated by said rod to elevate the rate-beam and thereby permit the movement of the movable bearing, substantially as described.

9. In a con'iputing-scale, the combination of a rate-beam, stationary as to horizontal movement, a movable fulcrunnblock for changii'ig the fulcrum of said beam, a hori zontal rod mounted so as to oscillate upon its longitudinal axis, and adapted to guide said fulcnn'n-bloclc, and means operated by said rod, for elevating the said beam, and thereby permitting free movements of said movable fulcrum-block as described.

10. In a computing-scale, the combination of a rate-beam, stationary as to horizontal movement, a movable fulcrum block to change the fulcrum of said beam, a horizontal rod mounted so as to oscillate upon its longitudinal axis and adapted to guide said fulcrum-block and to permit the movement thereof, lever-arms, and vertically-movabIc plates, actuated by said rod and adapted to elevate said rate-bcam preparatory to moving said fulcrum-block, substantially as described.

11. In a price and weighing scale, the combination with the value and rate beams, of a flexible coupling between said beams, a mow able fulcrum-block to change the fulcrum of said rate-beam, a sleeve mounted in said. fulcrunrblock, an angular rod passing through said sleeve, a second sleeve surrounding the rod and mounted in a fixed bearing, lever- IOO ITO

value and weight beams with the rate-beam,

of a changeable bearing for said rate-beam and movable thereunder, a parallel guide-rod for said bearing and means actuated by said rod to elevate the rate-beam to permit the movement of said bearing, substantially as described.

13. In a price and weighing scale, the combination with beams of a combined gravity and balance weight, adjustable both verti- 2o cally, and in an arc of a circle, and means for effecting said adjustments, substantially as described.

1%. In a computing-scale, the combination of the computing mechanism, a balanced 2 5 beam N, and a transverse pivot-pin carried thereby and located at one side of the fulcrum of said beam, with a flexible link suspended from the computing mechanism and having a bent lower end which passes under but lies 0 out of contact with said pivot-pin when the scale is empty, but is engaged by said pivotpin when said beam end is drawn down by the weight on the platform, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

15. In a computing-scale, the combination of the computing mechanism, and a balanced tare-beam having a transverse pivot-pin carrying upper and lower knife-edges which are in line with each other, with a two-part con- 0 necting-rod of which the lower part is suspended from the upper knife-edges, and the upper part is suspended from the computing mechanism, and extends beneath and lies close to the lower knife-edges, but out of contact therewith while the scale is empty, substantially as specified.

16. In a computing-scale, the combination of the computing mechanism, and abalanced tare-beam having a vertical slot, a pivot-bar secured thereto crossing the slot and projecting from both sides of the beam, said pivotbar having knife-edges, which are in line with each other, upon the upper and lower sides respectively of the part within the slot and the projecting ends, a two-part connecting-rod, consisting of the part B which is suspended from the upper knife-edges, and the part B which is suspended from the computing mechanism and extends beneath, but, when the scale is empty, lies out of contact with, the lower knife-edges, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

17. In a computii'ig-scale, the combination of the value-beam, the rate-beam and a flexible connection between the beams, of a balanced tare-beam having a longitudinal vertical slot, and a pivot-bar extending across said slot and projecting from both sides thereof, the part which spans the slot and the projecting ends having knife-cdges in line with each other but upon the upper and lower sides respectively, a link suspended from the ratebeam and passing beneath and lying out of contact with the pivot-bar when the scale is empty, and a connecting-rod suspended upon said pivot-bar, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

JOHN HENRY SWIHART.

Witnesses:

E. L. THURSTON, L. S. GRIswoLD. 

